Australians on the pitch in Abu Dhabi
Australia's presence at the FIFA Club World Cup will be noted tomorrow when the refereeing trio of Matthew Breeze, Ben Wilson and Jason Power officiate at the Bronze Medal match of the annual club championships.
The FIFA Club World Cup is contested between the champion club team from each of world football's Confederations, as well as a club team from the host nation's domestic competition. The Asian Football Confederation was represented by Pohang Steelers from Korea and Al Ahli FC from the United Arab Emirates.
The Bronze Medal match is between Mexico's Atlante FC and Pohang Steelers and will take place prior to the final between Barcelona (Spain) and Estudiantes de La Plata (Argentina).
The man in the centre, and Hyundai A-League referee, Matthew Breeze said the trio were very pleased to be appointed.
"While the workload hasn't been heavy at the Club World Cup, it's nonetheless been intense.
"When not on the pitch, our mornings have been taken up with training and technical drills, and the afternoon with debriefs on our own and others performances which is very helpful."
Breeze said it also gave them an opportunity to show their abilities to FIFA ahead of next year's FIFA World Cup.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, who is also in Abu Dhabi to meet with FIFA Executive Committee members and officials, congratulated the trio on the appointment.
"It's very encouraging that our referees are being recognised at the highest levels of FIFA competitions.
"Although I know every fan has their moments of disagreement with referees, the appointment of Matthew, Ben and Jason to the Bronze Medal match is a credit to them and evidence of the good and improving quality of Australian referees."
Buckley said the Club World Cup is FIFA's final tournament for 2009.
"The UAE Football Association has done a very good job with the tournament and I congratulate them for their work and their efforts in engaging the local community."
FIFA's final event of the year is the FIFA World Player Gala to be held in Zurich next week which FFA Chairman, Frank Lowy, is expected to attend.